The word penthouse conjures a picture of the
very best of everything. However, prior to this
top-floor unit’s ensuite renovation, the room had
looked reasonably average. Designer Kim Duffin
undertook the bathroom’s comprehensive rethink.
“The existing space had been enclosed and
housed a tub, single vanity, a small shower and
a toilet – all lacking a sense of luxury,” Duffin
says. “In its place, the owners wanted a modern
ensuite that reflected their wellness lifestyle.”
The new design was to incorporate a steam
and shower room that would allow the user to
look out to the master bedroom and city views.
“An early obstacle was the need to relocate
the services from fixed drainage points.”
Duffin says the ensuite’s existing window
sill led a design stroke that served several uses –
including addressing the services.
“We introduced a half wall reaching up to
the sill’s height and continued this around to the
vanity wall and on into the new glass combined
shower and steam shower enclosure, positioned
where the bath had been.”
Under the window, the wall conceals the
toilet cistern and suspends the black toilet pan.
Then, on the adjacent wall, it hides the relocated
Above: This comprehensively
reinvented master ensuite in a
penthouse apartment features a
black toilet suite, black sinks and
dark grey plain and patterned tiles.
The bathroom, by designer Kim
Duffin, balances luxury and wellness.
Following pages: A built-out half
wall – finished in custom patterned
tile – conceals services for the toilet,
vanities, and shower, provides a
utility ledge, and reflects the LED
lighting under the cabinetry above.
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